Bus companies operating at Namayiba Bus Terminal in Kampala have increased transport fares following a sharp rise in fuel prices, leaving passengers travelling to different parts of the country facing higher transport costs.
The fare increment, which took effect in November, comes as transport operators struggle with increasing operational expenses, particularly the rising cost of diesel and petrol.
Nelson Sekandi, the General Manager of Namayiba Bus Terminal, says the increase is necessary to help operators cope with the rising cost of doing business. He has also warned that passengers should expect further fare adjustments during the December festive season.
“Although we have increased transport fares in November, we will also increase more in the festive season in December. This is because even the equipment we use and operational costs have increased,” Sekandi said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Route Bus Association has released a new fare schedule effective November 2, 2026, with passengers travelling to Kamdini and Karuma now paying Shs35,000, while those heading to Gulu pay Shs40,000 for ordinary buses and Shs50,000 for executive services.
The new rates also place travel to Kitgum at Shs60,000, Pader at Shs70,000 and Kaabong at Shs105,000, among other destinations.
Mustafa Mayambala, the Vice Chairperson in charge of Administration at the Uganda Transport Operators Federation (UTOF), says transport operators are also planning a meeting to discuss possible increases in long-distance transport fares.
Mayambala attributes the pressure to rising fuel prices, revealing that a litre of fuel has increased from Shs4,000 to Shs7,000.
“A litre of fuel is now at Shs7,000, whereas previously it was at Shs4,000. If we don’t sit down and discuss how to increase transport fares, we may end up working but not gaining anything,” Mayambala said.
He further confirmed that transport fares are expected to increase during the December festive season, noting that the seasonal adjustment is separate from the current fuel price increases.
The developments are likely to affect travellers who depend on public transport, particularly those planning to travel upcountry during the festive season, as rising transport costs add to the financial pressure on households.
